The Daily Rundown: Saturday, May 20

Entertaining and educational programs for children and adults are presented year around at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Loren Fisher, Loren Fisher/www.ElfMultimedia.c)

Hear 'Sensational Spring Sounds'

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards is offering the child/parent program, "Sensational Spring Sounds." It will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 26. Children age infant to 5 with a parent will join a Naturalist for a short hike to listen to the awakening sounds of birds, frogs, insects and other animals around the center. The fee is $10 per pair and $5 per additional child. Register at www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-766-2489. Advance payment required.

Defibrillator stolen from park

An externally mounted defibrillator has been stolen from the the snack shack at Carol Pager Park in Somerville, according to the Somerville Recreation Department. The device was easily accessible by the public 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Somerville Police Department at 908-725-0331 or Somerville Recreation at 908-704-6985.

Dunellen man charged in road rage

Jake Mosca, 18, of Dunellen, was charged May 9 with assault after becoming involved in a road rage incident on Route 206 in Raritan Borough. Police say Mosca got out of his vehicle in the middle of traffic on Route 206 and became physical with a male driver whom he claimed was tailgating him. During the altercation, police say, Mosca retrieved a baseball bat from his vehicle and threatened the other driver with it.

Two men charged with multiple car burglaries in Metuchen

Nahuel Buonarrigo, 19, of Perth Amboy and Donte Guiste, 18, of Carteret, were charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of theft, three counts of theft of a credit card, one count of receiving stolen property and one count of possessing a controlled dangerous substance, Chief David Irizarry of the Metuchen Police Department said in a statement Thursday.

After being alerted to a car burglary by a resident at about 2 a.m. officers responded and saw two men walking in the area of Coan Place and Amboy Avenue. The males were stopped and questioned by officers, who located items, which included a laptop computer, credit cards and cash, that were found to be stolen from three different vehicles in the borough. Buonarrigo and Donte Guiste also were found to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance that was prescribed to one of the victims. Buonarrio and Guiste were later transported to Middlesex County Adult Correction Center where they are being held on the above listed charges.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective James Keane of the Metuchen Police Department at 732-632-8561.

Balladeer at Wallace House on Sunday

Balladeer Linda Rusell will perform a spring concert, "Songs of Nature," at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Old Dutch Parsonage, 71 Somerset St., Somerville. Suggested donation is $10 for the general public and $5 for members of the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Association. All visitors must register in advance for this program by calling 908-725-105 or e mailing whouse3@verizon.net. Russell has served for many years as musical historian for the National Park Service at Federal Hall National Memorial.

4-H Antique show is May 21

The 4-H Spring Antique Show is set for Sunday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hunterdon County 4-H & Ag Fairgrounds in South County Park at 1207 Route 179 in Lambertville. More than 50 eantique dealers will be selling a range of fine antiques and collectibles spanning the past two centuries. Items will include: furniture; fine silver and estate jewelry; linens; folk art; pottery and decorated stoneware; fine collectibles; and other items will be available to compliment collections and to furnish homes. Admission to the show is $7 ($6 person with this article, a show card, or an ad). The show is sponsored by the State 4-H Association of the New Jersey 4-H Program and is managed by Ellen Katona and Bob Lutz. Food will be available for purchase during the show.

The State 4-H Association is comprised of two 4-H volunteers from each county. The primary purpose for the group is to assist in maintaining and expanding a strong 4-H Youth Development Program in New Jersey. The chair for this event is Louisa Cole from Hunterdon County. The executive committee members of the State 4-H Association are: President, Buddy Nemetz (Bergen County); Vice President, Teri Stanton (Hunterdon County); Secretary, Sarah Cobb (Salem County) and Treasurer, Cathy Ahrendts (Cape May County). The money raised from this Antique Show will assist with the cost of sending delegates from New Jersey to 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus and other national 4-H events.

PSE&G upgrades aging gas lines in Edison

PSE&G has finished upgrading a portion of its aging gas lines in Edison, and roadwork paving has begun, according to a news release. The work is to be done by June 2, weather-permitting. "These upgrades are part of PSE&G’s three-year program to replace 510 miles of aging gas infrastructure throughout New Jersey,” said Joe Forline, vice president - gas operations, in a news release. Police will be directing traffic around work areas, and residents will be able to drive on the roads once paving is complete. Customers will have access to their driveways at all times. For a complete list of streets, visit www.pseg.com/gaswork. If residents have any questions about the work, they may speak to the supervisor on site, or call 732-220-6207.

Maasai Hurt of Plainfield (front), Tawanda Sibanda of Edison and Deanna Nicholls of Dunellen, second grade students at The Wardlaw-Hartridge School in Edison, performed for their Lower School classmates as the culmination of their Dance to Learn program. The eight-week program was taught by Danielle Mondi, a teaching artist for Lustig Dance Theater’s Dance to Learn program through Young Audiences of NJ.(Photo: ~Photo courtesy The Wardlaw-Hartridge School)

Hernandez will lead New Jersey State Youth of the Year Gala

Olympics Gold & Silver Medalist and “Dancing with the Stars” Champion Laurie Hernandez of Old Bridge will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the NJ State Youth of the Year gala on June 6 at Montclair State University, Conference Center Ballroom in Montclair. The Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey Youth of the Year gala and awards ceremony celebrate the achievements of New Jersey’s top Club teens. The event will include the announcement of the 2017 New Jersey State and Military Youth of the Year winners. A total of $60,000 in college scholarships will be awarded. For more on the gala, visit bgcnj.org or call 973-773-0966, ext. 151.

Girl Scouts set Vision Leadership Breakfast

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey will be engaging in al discussion on women’s leadership at the second annual Young Women of Vision Leadership Breakfast on Wednesday, May 24, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Basking Ridge Country Club, 185 Madisonville Road, Basking Ridge. The event will explore what leadership means, how Girl Scouts has shaped individual leadership styles, and celebrate the work that is being done in the community through Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action projects. The discussion will be moderated by Liliana Gil Valletta, CEO and CoFounder, CIEN+, and feature community business leaders, educators and past Gold Award recipients. They include: Vonda McPherson, owner of Vonda's Kitchen & Caterer to Super Bowl XLIX; Julie Averbach, GSHNJ Gold Award Recipient, 2016 GSUSA Young Woman of Distinction, and author of "Adventures From My World"; Dr. Caryn Cooper, a principal at Cook Elementary School in Plainfield; Christina Riviello, senior consultant, Digital Media for CIO3; Heidi Castrillon, a professional licensed agent at New York Life Insurance Company; Jessica Gaffney, founder and CEO of WAVEWORK; Natasha Davis, founder of Somebody’s Daughter; and April Eisenhardt, a 2013 Gold Award Recipient. For sponsorship and registration information, go to: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/GirlScouts-HeartofNewJer/ywov-1.html

Todd Baumann(Photo: ~Courtesy of Allstate)

Bridgewater Allstate agent honored

As a business leader and involved citizen in the Somerset county area, Allstate exclusive agency owner Todd Baumann of the Baumann Insurance Group has been designated an Allstate Premier Agency for 2017. The designation is given to 26 percent of Allstate’s nearly 10,000 agency owners across the country and 14 percent of Allstate’s New Jersey agencies, according to a news release. The designation is awarded to Allstate agency owners who have demonstrated excellence in delivering an accessible, knowledgeable and personal customer experience while achieving outstanding business results. The Baumann Insurance Group is at 695 US Highway 202-206 in Bridgewater; call 908-429-8700.

Workshop focuses on profit-enhancing potential

The Somerset County Business Partnership, Somerset County’s regional Chamber of Commerce, will present a “Maximizing Your Membership” Workshop from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, in the conference room of the partnership at 360 Grove St. at Route 22 East in Bridgewater. This casual monthly presentation details Business Partnership opportunities for growth and profitability, and is directed to current members seeking to expand their network and prospective members working to build their business. There is no charge for the “Maximizing Your Membership” Workshop but seating is limited and reservations are requested. Reservations may be made online at http://bit.ly/max_scbp or by calling the Business Partnership at 908-218-4300, ext. 12. The June session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20, at 8:30 a.m.

Learn about Business Partnership membership advantages at the next Maximizing Your Membership work session at the Somerset County Business Partnership.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Somerset County Business Partnership)

Flemington council moves meeting

The Flemington Borough Council's meeting scheduled for Monday, May 22 will be relocated from Borough Hall to the Historic Courthouse zt Main and Court streets. The work session will start at 7 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Westfield High honors staff members

Three teachers and one custodian have been honored by the Westfield High School community with awards of excellence. The announcement made this year on May 11 by Principal Derrick Nelson, results from nominations made by students, staff and parents at the school.

Molly Dennis, a science teacher at Westfield High School since 2002, is the recipient of the Distinguished Teacher of the Year award, established to recognize a teacher who serves as a model and inspiration to the high school community to strive towards excellence.

Daniel Devlin is the recipient of the Above and Beyond Award, which was established to recognize a teacher or counselor who has made a difference in the life of a struggling child. He has been a drama teacher at Westfield High School since 2006.

John Brzozowski, WHS-PTSO Outstanding Teacher of the Year, has been a choral music teacher at Westfield High School for 11 years and also serves as the Music Director for the spring musicals. The PTSO award annually recognizes a teacher who is encouraging and motivating, is a good role model and shows respect for co-workers, students and parents.

Kevin Womack, a custodian at Westfield High School, was honored with the Robert and Linda Foose Memorial Award. Womack, who is completing his first year as a custodian, is recognized for the unwavering support he provides.

The awardees will be honored by the Westfield Board of Education at a public meeting on Tuesday, June 13, at 7 p.m. in Room 105 at 302 Elm St.

Discover the secrets to raising drug-free teens

The Manville Municipal Alliance will present "In Plain Sight," taught by the National DARE Officer of the Year, on Thursday, May 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Manville Public Library.100 S. 10th Ave. According to a news release, the presentation will focus on dozens of deadly new drugs and drug-use techniques that are popular among the teen social scene. The event will include more than 100 hands-on displays, along with detection tips and parenting strategies. Admission is free, courtesy of the Manville Municipal Alliance. Register at www.ManvilleMAC.eventbrite.com.

Learn about edible plants

Botanist Jared Rosenbaum will be leading “Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Musconetcong Gorge" on Wednesday, May 24. The cost is $15. Meet in the parking lot located at 182 Dennis Road, Bloomsbury, at 6 p.m. and hike until 8 p.m. Visit www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/parks.htm or call 908-782-1158.

CASA seeks volunteers

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Middlesex County has current openings for volunteers to advocate for children from Middlesex County who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to speak for a child's best interests. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and pass background checks. The next volunteer training session begins on June 11. Applications must be received by Tuesday, June 6. Call 732-246-4449, email melanie@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org, or visit www.casaofmiddlesexcounty.org/volunteer for more information and a volunteer application. www.casaofmiddlesexcounty.org.

New initiative launched in Plainfield

United Way of Greater Union County has partnered with the City of Plainfield and Springpoint Senior Living to launch a new initiative designed to improve livability, increase access to resources and promote sustainable independence for older adults in the City of Plainfield. The launch of Lifelong Plainfield took place at the Plainfield Seniors-Living Healthy event on May 17, at Plainfield Tower West. Visit www.plainfieldnj.gov/event_details.aspx?event_id=621.

'Transitioning Adolescent Healthcare into Adulthood'

Children’s Specialized Hospital will host a free webinar, Transitioning Adolescent Healthcare into Adulthood, for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The webinar will consist of presentations from various experts at Children’s Specialized Hospital and will provide support and guidance for parents and caregivers to help navigate their child’s journey into adulthood. English session from noon to 1:30 p.m. on May 21 and a Spanish session on May 19 from 11 am- 12:30 pm. Visit www.childrens-specialized.org/events to register.

Good Grief raises $125,770 for Grieving Kids

On Monday, May 8, 101 golfers participated in the Good Grief annual charity golf outing at TCP Jasna Polana in Princeton, raising $125,770 to support its mission to help grieving families coping with loss through support programs, education, and advocacy. To learn more about Good Grief, visit www.good-grief.org.

Clara Huergo, 16, speaking at Good Grief’s Golf “Fore” the Kids Event(Photo: ~Courtesy of Good Grief)

McDowell joins Mill Ballet summer faculty

Mill Ballet has announced Christine McDowell will join as a teacher for the Choreographic Workshop during Summer Dance 2017. McDowell received her Bachelor's of Arts in History from Boston University and her Master's of Fine Arts in Performance and Choreography from New York University. For more information about the Mill Ballet School, and Summer Dance 2017, visit www.millballetschool.com or call 609-397-7244.

Mill Ballet School has announced Christine McDowell will join as a teacher for the Choreographic Workshop during Summer Dance 2017.(Photo: ~Courtesy of Mill Ballet School)

School wind ensemble performs in gala

The Westfield High School Wind Ensemble made history in April participating for the first time in the New Jersey State Band Gala. After placing in the top two ensembles at a region festival held in March, the WHS Wind Ensemble was one of six high school bands in New Jersey invited to attend the 20th Annual Gala held on April 30 at the College of New Jersey. Under the direction of WHS music teachers, Chris Vitale and Trevor Sindorf, the WHS Wind Ensemble performed The Gladiator March- John Philip Sousa, Variations on America- Charles Ives, and Celebrations- John Zdechlik. The other five high schools invited to the premier concert this year were West Orange, Bergenfield, JP Stevens in Edison, Clearview Regional in Gloucester County, and Absegami in Galloway Township, Atlantic County.

PSE&G offers tips for your Air Conditioner

Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, offers the following steps to ensure your air conditioner is ready for its spring debut: Clear your outdoor unit of grass, dirt and leaves; Make sure there is nothing obstructing airflow into the unit; Replace or clean your air filters once a month, or as directed by the manufacturer; Check that all vents in your home are fully open and not blocked by furniture or drapes.

Air conditioning can also lead to more usage and higher electric bills. Customers can save energy and money this summer by following a few easy and inexpensive tips: Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows with insulation or weather-stripping; Ceiling fans cool fast and cost less than air conditioning;Use a microwave or crockpot instead of the oven. They won’t heat the house. For more tips visit PSEG at www.pseg.com

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